Central China's foreign trade hits record 3.43 trillion yuan in first three quarters

(ECNS) -- Foreign trade in central China reached 3.43 trillion yuan (about $511 billion) in the first three quarters of 2026, up 20.5% year on year and setting a record for the period, customs data showed on Tuesday.

Trade in September totaled 449.63 billion yuan, a monthly record and an increase of 22.5% year on year.

Exports of electric vehicles, integrated circuits, computers and their components totaled 494.82 billion yuan in the first three quarters, accounting for 14.4% of the region's total foreign trade. One in three electric vehicles exported by China came from central China.

Imports of metal ores, integrated circuits and memory components also rose significantly. The region's imports have recorded double-digit year-on-year growth for 11 consecutive months.

Trade with more than 150 countries and regions increased year on year. Trade with other economies participating in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum exceeded 2 trillion yuan for the first time in a January-September period.